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The 7th Asia Summer Program, held over a period of three weeks at Dongseo University, came to a successful close on July 27, 2018. At the closing ceremony, many of the 369 participating students from 42 universities in 13 Asian countries and regions said tearful goodbyes as they vowed to maintain their friendships over the coming years and help each other become leaders of a bright future for Asia.

The students all agreed that participating in the ASP was a great experience. Erina Arya Puspita of Ciputra University in Indonesia said, “This three-week summer program was a valuable experience in my life. I made lots of friends and had unforgettable memories here. It helped me advance to a higher level and to challenge myself for the future”. Tai Ngee Chia from Singapore University of Social Sciences said that “the courses from professors from all over Asia were amazing. I was able to share ideas with the students from many countries, and I was able to experience different ways of thinking. The only complaint I have is that three weeks is too short to really explore Busan and connect with everyone.”

The universities participating in this year’s Asian Summer Program included University of Malaya (Malaysia), Petra Christian University (Indonesia), Josai International University (Japan), Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (China), Singapore University of Social Sciences (Singapore), Bangkok University (Thailand), Daffodil International University (Bangladesh), Bicol University (Philippines), Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania) and Norton University (Cambodia). Together the participating universities sent 40 professors to Dongseo to teach 37 English-language courses over the ASP’s three-week period.

The Asia Summer Program’s July 27 closing ceremony began with a video, which was then followed by Dongseo University President Jekuk Chang’s closing speech. “In this era of globalization, you should not be limited by the city or country where you were born,” President Chang said in his remarks. “The world is full of opportunities, and I encourage you to always dream big. You’ve received a special chance to form international networks, and after returning home, I hope you will keep in touch with the friends you have made.” The Vice Rector of Indonesia’s Petra Christian University (PCU), where the 8th Asia Summer Program will be held, also spoke of the future and invited students to visit PCU for ASP 2019. Later, completion certificates were handed out and the audience was treated to the students’ talent show performances as well as a performance from DSU’s Acting Department students.

President Jekuk Chang ‘s ASP Farewell Address

Hello everyone.

 

Did you have fun at the ASP? Good! You know, I saw lots of ASP photos of events and activities. But I didn’t see many photos of studying. Did you even have time to study? I guess you don’t really need it because you’re all excellent students.

 

The past three weeks have gone by fast, haven’t they? I hope everyone had a great time at Dongseo University, and I hope you learned some interesting things about Korea during your stay.

 

When Dongseo first hosted the ASP in 2013, there were record high temperatures in Korea. This year, again, we’ve set new records for high temperatures. I think maybe you brought the heat to Korea. And the passion of the ASP participants made Busan even hotter.

 

We have some special guests with us today, and I would especially like to thank them for being here. First is Dr. Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil International University in Bangladesh. For many years, Daffodil has participated actively in the Asia Summer Program, often sending large groups of excellent students. We want to thank them for their strong support of the ASP and the Asian University Presidents Forum, which they will host in 2019. Next is Dr. Jenny Mochtar, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Petra Christian University in Indonesia. As you know, Petra was the first university to host the Asia Summer Program in 2012, and we’re excited that they’ll host it again next year. Petra will also host the AUPF in 2018, and we want to wish them success with these upcoming events in Surabaya, Indonesia.

 

Not long ago, I was welcoming you at the opening ceremony of ASP 2018. Now, I feel sad that it’s almost time to say goodbye. But I think you’ve all achieved a lot during this year’s Asia Summer Program. I want to congratulate you on your accomplishments. You should be proud of the experiences you gained studying abroad over the summer, and you should cherish the memories you formed in Busan.

 

I want to remind you of something I said at the opening ceremony. It’s about why we first decided to create the ASP back in 2012. The fundamental purpose of this program is to offer students the chance to share their cultures and learn together through direct experience. This year we had over 400 participants from 41 universities in 13 countries and regions. That makes the ASP one of the most highly international programs of its kind. We are glad to have provided this opportunity for students from all across Asia to stay together, get to know each other, and develop an understanding of the diverse cultures of Asia.

 

I expect some of you encountered difficulties in the program. Maybe speaking English all the time was hard. Maybe you missed your mom’s home cooking. Or maybe it was the kimchi. Could you eat it every day? Whatever troubles you faced, you managed to overcome them. It is this process of overcoming challenges that helps us grow as individuals. It builds character and prepares us to face bigger challenges ahead. Our goal at the ASP is to foster future leaders from Asia. In particular, we aim to produce leaders who can overcome regional challenges through a willingness to work together based on mutual understanding.

Part of this understanding comes from sharing experiences, and part of it comes from studying broadly. This year’s ASP had 37 courses specially designed and taught by professors from participating universities. Can I ask the ASP faculty members to stand up for a moment? Please give them a big hand. This program would not exist without them, and we deeply appreciate all of their efforts.

 

I would also like to thank all of the accompanying staff who served as chaperones. We are glad you could join us to help your students at the Asia Summer Program. Of course, I also want to thank all the faculty and staff at Dongseo’s International Cooperation Office who helped organize this year’s ASP. Can I get the Dongseo people to come up to the stage? I’d like to thank them personally.